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Toby and the violin

Recently Toby became randomly obsessed with violins. Alex and I were trying to figure out where this new fascination came from. A street musician? A Dora the Explorer episode? Thin air? However it started, Toby's love of the violin is a real thing. He draws pictures of violins. He pretends that his books are violins and holds them up to his neck. Every evening, instead of watching a kids TV show, he asks for bluegrass videos on YouTube. (Annie is his favorite.)

Last week, Alex suggested we find him a miniature used violin on eBay. At first I thought it sounded crazy and extravagant (he's only two!), but Alex really thought it was worth it. So we ordered this teeny violin (it's 1/8th size), and Toby was psychotically excited about the impending arrival ("The brown package here yet, Mama?" "You think today the violin comes, Mama?" "We open it with scissors, Mama?") until it arrived this past Friday. Honestly, I have been amazed by how much Toby has played with it, and he even insists on carrying it with him in the stroller and gently cuddling it while we read bedtime stories.

Anyway, it has been such a fascinating turn-of-events. Maybe when he's a bit older, if he's still interested, we could sign him up for some lessons.The giddy moment we realized that the case could double as a backpack!

234 comments:

A good friend of mine, who is a professional violinist, started lessons at 3 and a half! We plan to start our kids on piano at four. If he's still interested, go for it! It's a lot of hard work and not a cheap passion though.

Not at all extravagant! My best friend in middle school started violin lessons at age 3--today she plays for the London Philharmonic. If he has a passion for it, start slowly yes, but it could build into something that is a lifelong passion!

Please, please get him started on some kind of music involvement, especially when he's so excited about playing! I study the effect of music on the brain - it does so much good for young children. I'm surprised that the doctors above thought she was bonkers for starting so early - that's the best time to start!

Loved to see this! I'm a Suzuki violin teacher - this is right up my alley :) Suzuki violin lessons are geared towards the younger beginner - my youngest students are 3 years old. Look on the SAA (Suzuki Association of the Americas) website for a certified teacher near you. It's a wonderful way to learn!

My kiddo (who just turned 3) is *exactly* in the same boat! He can identify violins in music in a split second (before we do), loves to watch videos of violin musicians on YouTube, and was head over heels when we asked him if he wanted to learn how to play the violin. He literally squealed with delight! Nice to hear the experience is quite similar on your end...great idea to get him one on Ebay.

This is the most fabulous thing I have ever seen!!! If I had a child and he/she was this in love with an instrument I would be over the moon. I am over the moon for you! I was born in Austin and was taken to Austin City Limits in-utero and then was religiously taken to and was surrounded by music as a child and as I grew up. Music is a religion in our family. I sent a link of this post to my mom and I bet it makes her cry because she will be so in love with it "and this is so wonderful and oh this child is going to be so smart" and on and on... No joke. I bet he loves it so much because you used to play guitar with him! And you all are so cultured and surround him with wonderful experiences and music and light and love. And I could go on forever. Obviously this has made my Monday/week. Much love to you guys and curses to the jerk who stole your bike!!!

This is just about the cutest thing I've ever seen. My only experience with an instrument was when I was about 12, when I tried to learn to play the guitar. It was a short-lived experiment. I still have the guitar, but I think the only thing I can play is a C and a G chord. Not exactly jamming material.

I would definitely find someone who could actually teach him how to play it just a little bit, even though he is still so young. You probably have a friend who can do it, but I love seeing the youngsters at Settlement Music School here in Philly. So adorable!

I am a Suzuki cello teacher, and I also recommend the Suzuki method. The pictures brought tears to my eyes. Regardless of whether or not he becomes a musician, that kind of passion at any age is admirable. I'd recommend reading some books written by the creator of the Suzuki Method. My favorites are "Nutured by Love" and "Ability Development from Age Zero." Bravo to you and Alex for buying him a violin! Have you taken him to any symphony concerts?

Please sign him up for lessons! I played piano for over 10 years as a child (I had to stop during college), and it was one of the greatest gifts my parents ever gave me. I still play when I'm home from school, and every time my mom gets the biggest smile on her face. She always tells me that it's one of her favorite things about having me home, the house being filled with music. There is something transcendent and magical about music and the ability to make music is a special thing indeed. You go, Toby!

My son's preschool has a teacher who plays the guitar, and my son, who just turned 2, has been obsessed with it. So a few months ago we bought him a ukelele, which he calls his guitar. He strums it all the time and sings at the top of his lungs. He just loves it. I'm not really considering lessons or anything like that. I do enjoy watching him play and sing.

I started Suzuki violin lessons when I was 3 and have played ever since. I also started on a cereal box with a ruler attached! He's actually almost old enough for lessons! I'm sure there are plenty of Suzuki or other programs in NYC.

My kiddo plays the piano and he is going to have his first piano recital next month! :D

I grew up learning the piano, flute and guitar. I remembered hating going to go to piano lesson when I was smaller, but as I grew older, I realized the benefits of having music in my life. I love that I can still play and read the music although I'm not a pro by any mean, it's just fun to do.

I wish I'd learned the violin, if you have a chance, do enroll him in lessons :D And if you guys have Park and Rec department in your neighborhood, check 'em out, they have instrument lessons and for a very reasonable price, it's a good way to test the water too.

yes, yes! sign him up for lessons!!! The Suzuki method starts very young (I worked at a music store in high school and routinely fitted 3 and 4 year olds with violins and cellos). I have five siblings and we all play some string instrument (violin, cello, guitar) and most of us play piano/sing as well. It might sound crazy to start one that little on an instrument, but they start with really basic things including caring for the instrument, bow hold, plucking, proper stance, etc.

If you're not ready to start actual violin lessons, you should definitely look into general music appreciation lessons! He can learn about different instruments, start learning basic rhythms, etc. My son is only 8 months old, but my husband and I are already talking about when we'll put him in music lessons (although we were both cellists, so we are going to be doing some heavy pushing in that direction instead of violin;)

I thought Toby was 3, like, next month; a lot of kids start "lessons" by that age, we have it here, it's called "eveil musical" (kind of like musical awakening) Some prodigees start at 3-4 and can actually play super well, maybe Toby has a gift!

I love how psyched he is!! That last picture is priceless. Go, Toby, go!

Don't you wish we got as excited about things like the little ones do? Our tastes change so quickly and interest wanes (of course it does for kids, as well), and their passion is truly inspiring. I'd like to make a point of getting enthusiastic like that again :)-Kristina

That is so awesome! Have him take lessons - either general music appreciation or Suzuki violin. It may be rough in the between times, but if he sticks with it through high school, he will be able to play for life. My brother started with Suzuki and ended up as concertmaster at Harvard.

That Annie Staninec is amazing! Toby is pretty amazing if he is asking for videos like that. Both my kids did Suzuki lessons, one with violin and the other played viola. The violist kept it up and it helped her get into a special school where she played in three different orchestras!

I took Suzuki violin lessons as well! I remember being fascinated with a book we had about musical instruments, and wanting to play the viola. They didn't make them small enough for me (I was 3), so I started on the violin and just never made the switch. It was sometimes tough to practice and go to lessons, but I've never regretted it.

How sweet! I grew up in a musical family so started learning the piano when I was very small. I later learned the clarinet/saxophone - it was great, and even now I'm an adult I still play in an amateur orchestra!

That is so sweet. I started asking for a violin when my brother took it up at age 7 (I was 3). My parents didn't let me until I was 5, and then I only had a rental. I was given my first violin when I was 14 or so-- when I was finally a "full" size. I'm glad they made me wait. I cherish my violin now, and they didn't waste the money to buy each different size, so they were able to make the investment to buy an excellent violin when I had proven I was really interested.

That's wonderful that he's so excited about violin, and that you're encouraging his enthusiasm! I started playing piano when I was 6, and kept at it for about 8 years until I decided I didn't want to anymore. Funnily enough, though, I missed it, so I started up lessons again a few years ago! Now my piano teacher and I are friends, and I have so much more fun with it. Toby might stick with it for a long time!

That is so wonderful that he's expressing an interest so young. My son is very musically inclined. He started as first chair in middle school with the violin, then moved on to brass instruments. He has a keyboard and guitar (the kind of guitar that can be acoustic or electric) and is self-taught in the latter mentioned instruments. He expressed interest in music at a young age too and will always have a love for listening to and creating music. He's a junior in high school and plans to attend law school for university.

My friend, who is a professional violinist (and is only 25!), started playing and taking violin lessons at age 3! She started with the Suzuki method. I played violin and piano as a kid --I think it's a wonderful learning experience for anyone! And it can turn into a lifelong hobby.

i agree - cutest thing ever - and a great learning experience! my kids all took piano, my youngest who is 14 just starting his second year of lessons. He also takes guitar and clarinet in school. It's so exciting when they learn to play. I'm with you, I wish I played something too!

That backpack photo is just - oh, I can feel the giddiness! He should watch this Noggin episode with Dr. Stringz, aka Andrew Bird. He doesn't bring in the violin until after the 2 min. mark but it's so fun. And Andrew Bird is lovely.

http://youtu.be/7HmkLu24w2o and https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=PsR0uyPxqxI#t=38s

My roommate plays the violin and viola and I'm always so jealous of her. There are apparently a lot of programs out there that teach kids pretty young children: you never know if you have a tiny, adorable prodigy on your hands!

that is adorable, and awesome! i started piano when i was 3, so it seems if there's an interest they're never too young. especially with violin - that's an instrument i feel gets more difficult to pick up when you get older.

Well, you know, Joshua Bell's parents first realized JB's love for the violin when they encountered him stringing up rubber bands on dresser drawer knobs and plucking them to get different notes. That was when he was 4.

So sweet. Our little guy was OBSESSED with drums and an Eyewitness book he had on music. He could name all the instruments in an orchestra and marching band. And would request Buddy Rich videos on YouTube nonstop.

But at four, he's starting to develop other interests and music has been set aside. It makes me sad, because I think he has so much potential, but I give him the space to be a kid.

This is him at age 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=smMYOHSEi4w&feature=share&list=UUqBW7K8cF-lYYbn3Hhg25CQ

It's hilarious (and really adorable) that Toby is so obsessed with the violin as in my family it became a source of terror (along with the piano) when we all started taking music lessons and hated the idea of practicing! -Elle

That is amazing. He will probably share a love for music through his life. My son has been into music as well. He loves to play piano, but because we don't owe one, he runs across the street to our neighbors house to play. He is only 3:).

if you're ever in LA during the fall/winter, the LA Phil has Symphonies for Youth (concerts for kids), and the pre-concert activities include an "instrument petting zoo" that allows kids to hold/touch/play with the all the different instruments. I'm sure Toby would love it!! any maybe there's something similar in NY?

This is SO great! Get him playing with a teacher, even just casually, soon (like they've said above- three is a great age) to keep him encouraged and show him how to make music on the instrument. I was begging to play piano at a young age and thanks to parents and great teachers, music is my job and life. I'm grateful that my parents bought me an instrument and invested in lessons throughout my life. Go Toby! xo

That is GREAT he is interested in the violin! I took piano lessons when I was 7 and took violin lessons when I was 10. I did both until I was about 18. I loved the violin way more than piano and wished my parents enrolled me in lessons sooner. I think he should take lessons at 2. My violin teacher taught MANY 2-3 year olds violin! If anything, it teaches them discipline and to be able to sit still during lessons, concerts, performances, etc. I highly encourage him taking lessons! The Suzuki Method (google it!) embraces teaching kids at a very young age!

He really could begin lessons soon! I would suggest beginning with the Suzuki method. I am so happy that he is interested in music. With parents that are musicians, I always had music in my life and now it continues to be as I begin my Masters next year at the Yale University School of Music! You should definitely start him as soon as you can! He looks like a natural :)

That is so ridiculously sweet. Have you heard of the Lemony Snicket kids book/audio recording of "The Composer is Dead"? I heard an interview with the author on Fresh Air and it sounded fascinating. I'm hoping lack of musical talent skips a generation! http://www.amazon.com/The-Composer-Is-Dead-Book/dp/0061236276

Another Suzuki kid here - started at 2 1/2 with group classes and they were a blast. So much fun and so many little violins being waved about and dropped. I started with a crackerjack box with a paint stir stick attached. THe group classes were just a bunch of creative music-centric games. Just find a fun teacher and check out a few of the classes with before jumping in. The first classes really make the biggest impression on kids - is music fun or not!

This is adorable! My little guy is Toby's age and also obsessed with instruments. He loves the drums the most like his Pop. He requests marching band videos and drumlines on youtube. I'm hoping it is a love that lasts and that he too will play an instrument someday. Toby is such a sweetie and reminds me of my little guy Trevor.

Joanna this is so great! I love how you and Alex totally support Toby in whatever interest he sets his heart on. Everyone in my family played an instrument. My parents are both musical, so they said we could pick whichever one we wanted, but we had to choose one and try it for at least a couple of years. I picked the flute and played for about eight years. My other siblings played the violin, french horn and the drums. With my dad's piano skills and my mom's voice, we had enough for a family band! :)

I play the guitar and played the piano as a teenager, my hubby plays the violin, and my sister plays the piano. From day one Hazel has said she wants to play the piano, even when I give her choices of other instruments. She turns 3 next Monday! kids know what they want, I guess!

Have you heard of Jonathon the young musician. Both his parents are professional musicians. When a conductor saw this cute video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0REJ-lCGiKU, he had him conduct for a chamber orchestra: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c7ILOqRkg4U

Also, here he is playing violin: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CHYRaldonL0

I started playing the clarinet in 6th grade and ended up getting a Bachelor's in music. I adore it completely- and I love how much Toby loves the violin. I am so happy y'all have already invested in this interest. I hope it continues! It's a wonderful part of life that has a fascinating history. Even if he doesn't pursue it as his career, it will enhance his learning so much because of how much of his brain will be involved with music. I'm so excited for you guys!!!!! I hope this continues!

I do not play an instrument but every day wish that in addition to my ballet lessons (which I loved!) my parents signed me up for, that they would have tacked on a musical lesson. My kids love the drums (shocker!) and my oldest does like the guitar so we're hoping to cultivate one or both of those. This tiny violin is way way too precious - what a good dad Toby has that he would find such a thing for his son!!

My sister started the violin when she was 3.5 years old. She's now a professional violinist! The Suzuki Method is great for young kids. I play the violin as well, but I started the piano first - when I was 4. I think starting out music lessons very young is a great thing if your child can focus -- it really teaches the brain to focus and it's so much easier to start earlier, like learning a language. Now I play Irish fiddle music instead of classical and it's a total blast. I can play in pubs at impromptu sessions and it's really an enriching part of my life. I say go for it!

I die - my "baby" started piano lessons at 4 yrs old because her older sister played and Madeline insisted on learning. Fast forward 16 yrs, she continues to take lessons and playS in college. The one thing about her was her desire to play. Not once in all these years did I have to ask her to practice, she just did it. Often it was play outside, run inside play a song, go back outside, come back in 20min later to play again. I believe this is a gift you can give Toby that will have a huge impact on his life and yours.Go Toby!

Way to encourage him! That's absolutely adorable and I hope his interest lasts. Playing an instrument is great for children for so many reasons. And if not, it'll be a great addition to his memory box. "Did you know you were obsessed with violins when you were two?!"

I think it's one of the biggest achievements in our lives to discover our passions. And the earlier you get to do it, the happier you are for longer. Toby is such a lucky guy. And even if the passion doesn't last for too long, at least this makes him happy for the moment. My father bought me many instruments when I was a child and even though I wasn't great at a particular one, I enjoyed playing and exploring. I still have most of them and it's one of the most vivid memories I have from my early years. You did the right thing when you ordered that little cutie :)

My daughter started Suzuki at age 4 1/2 and we both love it. As a mom, I would make sure the kid was fully potty trained before starting lessons. Suzuki has an early music class, too. Music is a wonderful family activity!

I grew up playing the piano and flute. Honestly, my life would have been different in many ways if I hadn't - I certainly wouldn't have had an easy time learning about fractions (I hate math, so equating it to music helped a TON). ;-)

So wonderful! I started violin at age 3 and as a teacher have started some kids as early as 2 (mostly games, at that point, and getting comfortable with the sound). It's not too early, get him started! There is so much benefit to a kid growing up just always having played an instrument; music will truly be a friend that follow shim through his life.

I agree with Mami! Sounds like you might have a future fiddle player on your hands. Encouraging a love of music is definitely a plus -- you can never start too early! Those pictures of Toby holding his little violin are precious.

We had (still do) a piano at home. I could play simple songs that my friends at school played on a simple flute (copy paste the word φλογέρα in google to get a picture), but unfortunately I was really slow at reading notes so I was very self conscious about taking piano classes. I was also doing ballet classes and did not want to stop them and start something else at an older age, so i never learned. THEN, I got a harmonica as a bday present for myself this year when i became 26, and I'm trying to learn a few songs whenever i'm home alone! (ring of fire is my target as a first one) :)

If you're looking to start Toby in Suzuki lessons sooner rather than later, check out Tone Academy of Music, which is really highly regarded, takes very young students, and operates out of downtown Manhattan! I heard of them through a friend, and they're supposed to be fabulous: http://toneacademyofmusic.com/

That is so great! I am making my way in the world as a cellist, and my younger sister started violin lessons at the age of 3 on a 1/16th size violin! So funny, it looked like a doll accessory. I think seeing young kids excited about instruments is the coolest thing. If he's into it, I say go for it!

I'd say get him lessons while the enthusiasm is there - as Essss says above, it wouldn't be as if you were hot-housing him or anything! My partner is musical and came from a musical family. They started young (as a way of nurturing their interest, not as a way of pushing them to achieve) and all seem to find a level of enjoyment from music that I can't even fathom.

I started taking violin lessons when I was around 3 years old and loved it. We've been taking our daughter to Music Together classes since she was 10 months old and she absolutely LOVES them. I can't recommend them enough! She claps her hands to the beat and loves playing the different instruments.

My son was obsessed with guitars like that at Toby's age. Obsessed to the point of making up games called "Let's pretend we are guitars in our cases" (the most boring game ever, fyi). Today he's 11 and guitars are still his thing and he rocks it OUT. It's an amazing thing to watch, esp for his dad and me who are not the least bit musical. Keep going, keep encouraging! xx

I'd say get him lessons while the enthusiasm is there - as Essss says above, it wouldn't be as if you were hot-housing him or anything! My partner is musical and came from a musical family. They started young (as a way of nurturing their interest, not as a way of pushing them to achieve) and all seem to find a level of enjoyment from music that I can't even fathom.

Glad to see so many suggestions for Suzuki! I started later, but my brother took lessons very young -- maybe at 3 -- and listened to the recordings each night. He now plays four instruments, and I studied singing. I think the Suzuki method gave us both a love of music... And maybe even accounts for his amazing ability with numbers.

I just got kind of overwhelmed by reading all these comments! To sign him up/to not sign him up/music at that young of an age, etc.....I think regardless of what you do, he seems like such a happy, content little boy just holding his violin, and that's what matters. Whew! I just wanted to tell you that :)

I started playing the violin at 3 and loved it when I was little! My older sister plays the viola professionally and I always wanted to be exactly like her! If he's excited about it give it a try! Although I didn't stick with it, it was always fun to stun people when I told them how early I started playing!

My 3 year old also has been attracted to the violin for some reason and her play violin is one of her most used toys. Because we also loved "One Sunday Morning", I'll recommend "Zin! Zin! Zin! A Violin" if you don't already have it. My daughter loves it and it is such fun to read.

That was my first thought too! I remember when my oldest was learning to play the clarinet for the school band I thought I was going to kill myself with all that honking coming from the den. I eventually started wearing noise reducing headphones and blasting music just to keep myself from throwing that thing out the window. Nobody in our house was heartbroken when he decided to take drama in middle school.

I second (or third, or seventeenth) the props for Suzuki! I started Suzuki piano at a really young age - one of the best things about it is it teaches you to learn music through ear training (as opposed to reading music, which can be boring and complicated). Having a good ear is a skill that's difficult to master when you're older, so what he learns now could set him up for a lifetime. To this day, music is a huge part of my life, and something I hope to share with my kids (the first of whom is coming along in September!) Good luck Joanna and Toby!

I was in orchestra throughout school (violin), and most everyone in it, including myself, had started when they were three or four. Keep in mind Mozart wrote his first symphony when he was only 8! It would be a good exercise to show him that his enthusiasm can transform into an actual skill!

To complete that thought... the skill level between students that started at 3 or 4 and those who started later (even 5 or 6) was very apparent, and they later-starters never seemed to catch up to the level of the early-starters. The gift of musicianship can never be given too early!

Just like learning languages the younger the better.My friends had her son in at 3years old and he loved it. Performed Twinkle Little Star at the Christmas concert and is now hooked on entertaining. He still loves his violin but at the age of 7 is asking to learn piano as well.It's definately worth looking into even fun classes with music at 2 If he's that interested.

Actually none of my three children play any instrument, except plonking on the guitar sporadically...might have to introduce more instruments! CarolinePs Clinique giveaway on my blog open to everybody!

I played the violin for almost 9 years! I mean I could still play but I would def need some practice. You should definitely encourage Toby. This is such an adorable photo too-he is just so undeniably happy!

I would strongly suggest you get him some lessons (maybe I'm biased, I'm a cellist)! There are teachers that work with young students, and will help him learn at an age appropriate level. I would contact some of the music colleges in the city (Manhattan School, NYU, Mannes, etc.) and see if there are any students that can provide lessons.

That is so cool!! I think it's amazing when very young children get obsessed with something, be it an object, a subject, anything. It's all good.

I've been taking my 4 year old to a music class since he was 17 months old where he gets to play a lot of different instruments every time; guitar, violin, cello, piano, a myriad of different horns, and of course the usual xylophones, drums, etc. The cool thing is, he can try all of these different instruments and discover new things and create new obsessions. At first he was really into the drums, now he's really into the trumpet. I think at this young age it's important to introduce them to all kinds of things so they can learn what they love.

Good for Toby finding something he loves. What a great feeling for him! The fact that it's a violin is just extra good!

Wow how cool that he likes the violin, my daughter is the same age but not showing such interest (yet, I hope)...I played the cello for a couple of years and the piano for many, but quit in my teens. I was too cool for it at age 15, but regret quitting now!

I read an interesting article on toddler learning, and whether its too early to put them in classes etc. http://www.janetlansbury.com/2011/04/toddler-learning-focus-or-freedom/ I really recommend everyone reading it!

Thats so cool! My 6 year old cousin became obsessed with violin recently too! He went into a lesson one day after school by accident and completely fell in love! He even secretely cut his soccer practice to go watch it another lesson! Now he has a teacher and is evolving. Its very adorable and intriguing, since this idea is completely his own. Isn´t impressive when besides all family and friends influence, somehow even when we are littler our very own personality kicks in? :)

I remember mi little brother acting many many times as orchestra director. He seat all our teddy bears and dolls in the sopha, and then started to "direct" them with any thick. Our suggested to send him to a music school on Saturdays and dady did not want to take him... we wonder what would have been if he had take some lessons! maybe a musician, or maybe nothing to do, BUT I think it is great to "listen" to the kids interests, specially in Toby's case where it comes from nothing! Saludos from Buenos Aires!

This is so cute! My little boy is getting a violin for his 4th birthday in a few weeks We took him to my old music teacher to try one out and he really liked it! It should be fun teaching him the first little basics. And re-learning it all myself!

Joanna! This is wonderful! I'm a musician and music teacher and I got my start from watching Itzak Perlman on Sesame Street: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=16XQTpm_OIk . I would walk around with my dad's slide rule taken apart playing the "violin". This continued until my parents started me in lessons when I was 5, and I studied for 11 years. You are giving Toby a great gift even if he doesn't end up pursuing it in the future... but I hope he does!!!

What is it with two year old boys? I've noticed recently that my son gets FIXATED on something, usually completely bizarra random things and then he is IN LOVE. A month ago it was guitars (we bought him a plastic eukele so he stopped playing his dad's nice one). Two weeks ago he was obsessed with sharks and requested to watch shark documentaries ALL day. Now it's trains and he wants to take his train set to bed to cuddle. He has a Thomas the tank engine bookend which he sleeps with now. They are so funny and special :)

Ah! Best decision my parents ever made was signing my up for cello lessons when I became fascinated with it in the 3rd grade. Been playing ever since (14 years)! Classical music has had all kinds of academic benefits AND reading music is wonderful for your brain!

Ah! Best decision my parents ever made was signing my up for cello lessons when I became fascinated with it in the 3rd grade. Been playing ever since (14 years)! Classical music has had all kinds of academic benefits AND reading music is wonderful for your brain!

Wow, I've read your blog for years now and never felt compelled to comment until now!!! This is my passion, 2 year olds obsessed with violins! I would first take his desire and interest seriously. Have you read about the Suzuki Method? I would pick up a nice old copy of To Learn with Love or Nurtured by Love. Once you fall in love with the approach to music, which I tell the kind of Mama you are, you will :) Then take him over to Tone Academy of Music to see Ms. Jenny. She is an exceptional teacher, specializes in Toby's age group and even offers prenatal listening classes and amazing music classes for you little one when he/she arrives. She even has FREE Saturday small family classical concerts for you to enjoy and Toby could bring his violin with him. HE WILL LOVE LOVE LOVE IT. IT's the most nurturing non competitive, very unSOHOish music school you will find in the city. I would teach him myself but I left the City to give birth to my first baby in NC and am still out here in the rolling fields.If you have any interest or questions email me or check out my websitewww.meredithmitchell.com

I play the cello, and I had this hilarious experience in the stringed instrument shop. I was waiting in the queue to get my bow rehaired, and there was a little girl in front of me waiting with her mum to finished up the paperwork to rent her first cello - I think it was a 1/8th as well, she looked about 4. Her mum was talking to her about her new instrument and how exciting it was - and then they tried putting the cello on her back like a backpack. Of course she started to tip over, to be honest it's hard enough when you're a grown-up with that thing on your back. Anyway, her mum tried to get her to hold it with one handle on the side, which she did for about 10 seconds before dropping it on the ground. It was in a soft case, so it made this terrific wooden symphonic TWAAAANG noise. Her mum slightly panicked, but tried not to freak her daughter out... oh it was cute.

My son Cal, who actually shares a birthday with Toby, is obsessed with them too. I know ours traces back to episodes of "Little Einsteins," his favorite show. I had no idea they made ones so little! I'll have to get one for Cal too. He currently uses his butter knife and fork at the dinner table to simulate playing a violin. :)

that is so interesting! My Goddaughter started at 3, so Toby's not as far off as you may think! She stuck with it, even though her Mom had to fight her on it for a year or two, and she is an incredibly talented young musician now at only 14! I am never one to dole out parenting advice, but if he seems interested then GO FOR IT :)

I totally agree with those who are encouraging you to continue feeding this big huge passion in little Toby. There's something special going on with him and this violin and, regardless of how "good" he gets at it or how long this interest lasts, it's so worth reinforcing. He may excel and it may last his lifetime... Find a way somehow? Yay for Toby- what a love of a human being he is.

My favorite post yet! I am a professional classical musician (oboist) and I would highly recommend taking Toby to a kid's concert at your local orchestra. My orchestra is playing six shows for toddlers this week, and they absolutely love it. These type of shows are usually very interactive and educational, and they get the kids moving as well. Let us know if you try it!

I started playing cello when I was 9. Our elementary school showed us all each of the different instruments and we could choose which we wanted to play for band/orchestra class (which was required 4th–6th grade). I remember feeling really drawn to the cello from that first presentation, and I played consistently for 8 years.

Run with Toby's enthusiasm and interest! Orchestra camps and special performances are some of my favorite childhood memories.

darling, joanna! are you familiar with the Suzuki pedagogy, in which children start playing violin as young as 3? I wrote a story about the Suzuki program in Evansville, Indiana recently. Feel free to read it at this link: http://www.evansvilleliving.com/city-view/articles/the-language-of-musicxoxo

I played the piano starting around age 4, and added the cello around age 8. I played them both through college but oddly was much better and more drawn to the cello. But even though the cello is a "big" instrument, I know a thing or two about small sizes - being quite petite, my adult cello (which I invested in once I hit the later years of high school) is a 7/8-size. It's not as visibly small as a 1/8-size violin (!) but it is small enough to make a difference to me. :)

My older sister played the violin and my younger sister the viola, so we had a nice little trio for a while. They each played the piano, too, and we would always get roped into playing a duet at this function or that family gathering. Since we were three and a duet is two, we never knew what configuration we'd be in when the duet requests came - inevitably they would be like "Play us that one song!" and we'd be like "well we both only know the upper part of that" - so eventually we all learned both parts of each piece just so that we could play them interchangeably as needed. It was easier to just learn everything than to turn down a mob of my grandparents' friends.

My 7-year old stepson just got a guitar for his birthday, and is now in weekly guitar lessons. I would have totally preferred to start him first on either the piano or one of the classical string instruments because I think that, kind of like how classical ballet is sort of the "root" of so many kinds of dance, those instruments are kind of a "root" of music, as far as comprehension goes. But maybe I'm just biased! The guitar just seems like such a more...almost abstract kind of music comprehension, chord-based rather than note-based, I don't know. I'm probably just projecting my own non-guitar-playing confusion onto the situation - I'm sure that if you don't know anything about music at all, they're all equally abstract and cerebral to get familiar with!

The 3-year old wants to play the drums. Oy. I don't actually know that he wants to play the drums; I think he just likes hitting things and so he says that he wants to play the drums. But regardless, because of the whole-body coordination required, it's hard to find a teacher who will start him before age 8. So we're off the hook for a while! I did get him a drumstick and he carries it EVERYWHERE. He even sleeps with it. We had to make a rule that the drumstick lays on the floor of the car when we're driving, because otherwise he just waves it around back there and basically tempts fate.

Suzuki, all the way! My niece began when she was 7 and continues to play, nearly ten years later. Warning: the violin was the "gateway instrument" to two others! Music is SO good for the brain. How lovely that your sweet boy has found such a great obsession!

Wow! He is so cute with the violin! My oldest, Annika, who is 5 plays the violin. We started in October with suzuki lessons and she loves/hates it. My husband and i were never introduced to music so we want that for our kids. She was eager to play an instrument. She wanted the violin and loved it when she heard an all women mariachi band. Our first class was a bad experience with a bad teacher. She didnt want to do it after that and It took a few lessons for her to overcome the fear that came from the first teacher. Now, she hates it when learning something new. She does not like to fail so the fear of just trying is huge. but once she gets over it and just starts playing she loves it and it really is amazing to hear her play. I'm very happy she is playing the violin. It's helping her face the fear of failing and the joy of achieving something on her own, for herself. Her first recital is this Saturday. We'll see. I highly recommend the Suzuki method if you do eventually do lessons. I dont know. I really think that innate love for anything is worth something.

This is wayyyy too cute! I started playing the violin in 3rd grade and I played all the way through my first year of college! I never owned my own though, so when my mom surprised me with one last Christmas I cried my little eyes out (even though I haven't played in years). Music really does something awesome to a person!JennWith Luck Blog

Yes! I started playing violin at 7 years old, and played through my early twenties. I'm so thankful I took music lessons. It teaches you discipline and patience, helps you practice making goals and working towards something (a concert), helps you make friends (I played in orchestra and chamber music groups), develops your artistic side, and gives you a special appreciation for music! It's really cool that you got Toby started early (and that he expressed his own interest), though it probably won't make sense to start lessons much earlier than 6 or 7 years old. I first became interested in violin after hearing my mom (who is a pianist) accompany a violinist. Then, it became a big part of my life, and I'm so happy it did.

Two things I forgot to mention: 1) It's possible to start earlier, but I wouldn't start too too early or too intensely. Practicing takes great concentration and discipline, and strarting too early or too intensely could turn a child off from music (so one theory goes). 2) I DIDN'T take Suzuki lessons, and I think that was fine. If you have a good teacher, I don't think you need Suzuki.

My husband was a music major (piano) and his sisters (cello and violin) got their masters in it. From what I understand from my knowledgeable mother in law, Suzuki method is the best way to go when teaching stringed instruments to kids under 12 or so. But many Suzuki teachers don't teach note reading, so it's the opinion of my MIL that it's most ideal to find a reputable Suzuki teacher that also teaches note reading. He'll thank you later. :) How sweet that he is so fond of this beautiful instrument at such a young age!

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Wow. I too fell in love with the violin after watching that very same episode of Sesame Street (feat. Itzhak Perlman), & my folks got me into Suzuki violin lessons at the age of 4. It's SO important to encourage him! Try to find the best teacher/best instrument you can afford. I had exceptional teachers all the way, and 25 years later I have the best job in the world, playing Violin 1 in a professional orchestra.

ps. Does Toby like the Punch Bros??https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=braQeLkJUvE

I don't know what your idea of 'when he's older' is but I started playing the violin when I was THREE! Kids can learn it, and I can still remember two or three of the songs I memorized in those first early years of playing. (I'm 26 now). I, regretfully, stopped playing around seven because I wasnted to take horse riding lessons more than practice the violin, but I always wish I would have stuck with it.If you and your husband can get him into lessons, I'd strongly suggest you do. He would probably surprise you with how much he can retain, and its an incredibly empowering thing for a kid (at least for me it was) to make music. Also, maybe wait to see if you can stand his 'practicing.' I wouldn't be surprised to find out my parents wore ear plugs for some of my practice sessions.

Take him to see some violins! Manhattan School of Music student orchestra concerts, Juilliard student Orchestra Concerts(those might be free or very inexpensive), Brooklyn Philharmonic, the New York Philharmonic - the options are endless where you live, but boy, wouldn't he love that?

Your family sounds amazing! I also have an 8 month old and am a Suzuki Certified Teacher (violin and piano). There is a Suzuki class for 0-3 that most are not familiar with but that I am certified in. It's a Mommy and Me class that uses beautiful, REAL Orff instruments mixed with song and dance. IT's prep for when you and your child chose their stringed instrument. My 8 month old explodes with joy when she come to class with me. The best Suzuki School and resource in the city is Ms. Jenny of Tone Academy of Music. And there was me too, but I left when my little lady was born but am hoping to be back to the city to make more little musicians :)

My mom played piano once, when she was 10, but because of the lack on money during that time (living in Estonia during the soviet union time) she had to stop the studies.She has been regretted the decision for a long time. But then she understood, that she can realize it through her children. She didin't push me into music, but started to introduce me different options. When I was three, I started to sing in a little children studio. Then came flute, guitar, handbell and piano studies. Right now I am little bit seperated from the music studies. But I do have a younger sister and brother. Brother started with tumpet and piano and my little sister, who is now 12 years old started very young with violin. She started with suzuki methot, which is really good for young starters. It trains your ear and teaches how to play without having to know solfedzo and all the notes. It also was good for my mom, who had at first learn a bit how to play violin with her daughter, so she can help her a bit in the beginning. Now the love of music has turned so big, that my sister also started to play ukulele, piano and saxophone. She has so many cases of instrument to carry with every day, but she is not willing to give up. I sometimes wonder, how it went like this. But none of us has regretted the studies. And I'm happy, my mom always somehow served the things like this, that we, me and my brother and sister, could always make the decisions, weather we want to study something or not, ourselves. Nothing was forced.I do recommend suzuki method with the violin studies. Have you heard of it?

I'm another Suzuki kid – I started lessons when I was ~3.5 because I kept pounding on the piano while my sister was practicing :) I've since switched over to cello, and I love my parents so much for cultivating in me the ability to perceive and practice a special, splendid beauty. We still nerd out together on the phone about classical concerts we've been to.

I cannot recommend Nurtured by Love enough and I also recommend Ability to Learn from Age Zero (both by Shinichi Suzuki, the founder of the Suzuki method). I would recommend them to any parent regardless of whether they want to get their child into music. I teach very-beginning Suzuki violin to 5 and 6 year olds and we have younger siblings that come into our group class one who can't be older than 3 who is already taking lessons after absorbing so much from simply watching the class.

Love this! My two sisters and I played violin for 6 or so years (the Suzuki method). I remember practicing before lessons when my step-brother (a teenager) would come in and offer, "If you give me 5 bucks, I'll break your arm." We didn't really enjoy the practicing and he didn't the sound. Regardless, I do wish I had stuck with it.

How adorable is that?! I love that he's so fixated on his little violin. Maybe he'll be a musical prodigy one day?! (I kid but how great is that? Thanks for sharing such a sweet story and photos). Natalie - nearafar.com

Oh he is just the cutest! You should definitely get him lessons when he's a bit bigger, I guess they would start teaching once he reaches school age? He might be the next Mozart (who I know was a pianist, but still!) xxx

when i was about 2 1/2 i began asking my parents for a violin. they thought it was a phase (considering i also said i wanted to be a fire truck when i grew up), but i persisted until they finally caved at age 5. i loved the violin as a kid - it's certainly a great hobby for kids should toby continue to be curious! xo

Oh I love this so much. Maybe Toby was a violinist in a past life and he is destined for greatness!! Isn't that fun to think about. :) Anyway, I have loved playing and singing music since I was very little. I've taken choir since kindergarten and sing in an amazing women's chorus now at 25. I also have tap danced since I was 3 and still love it unconditionally. I think the thing about singing/dancing was that I never felt pressured. I also played the saxophone because my dad was amazing (plays by ear) and that was always fun as well. The hobbies that faded away were always the ones that I seemed pushed to perfect or wasn't naturally in love with. I think letting him have his own play violin is brilliant...take him to see a philharmonic show or even watch Fantasia with him (just FF through any dark parts :)! :) PS. he looks so much like Alex in that last picture..what a sweetheart.